Hiking and Nature with Angela: Passport Edition: Blue Sky Trail

Where: Blue Sky Trail - Fort Collins, CO
Distance: 6.7 miles
Type: Out and Back with possibilities to link to other trails with a car shuttle
Difficulty: Easy

This passport hike is to the post labeled 'hard.' The 'easy' post is located at Devil's Backbone Open Space which is a hike we did a different day. We took the Blue Sky trail to the post since that's what the passport book said to do, but it can also be reached from Coyote Ridge or from a long hike from Devil's Backbone Open Space as well. All photos on this hike were taken with an iPhone, so the clarity might not be as great.

There was plenty of parking available in the lot for the Blue Sky trail. Part of the reason for the ample parking is probably because this trail seems to be used primarily by bikers. Mountain biking is a popular hobby in northern Colorado and you'll see occasional bikers on trails around here, but some trails get much more use. I would definitely classify this as an 'active/exercise' trail, meaning best for bikers or runners rather than for leisurely hikes. Though the Passport book lists Blue Sky trail for the post I would recommend hiking to the post from Coyote Ridge instead if you want more of a leisurely hike for your day.

Let's start on over at the informational board. Even if I've looked at the map beforehand, I always like to check out the board and re-verify details.

There are a few open spaces in this area and the trails all connect to each other which is pretty nice.

We're heading out under the overpass.

The lands out here are very open which is very characteristic of the Front Range here in Northern Colorado.

The trail has some ups and downs, but it is nothing too hard. It's just enough to get your heart rate up at times without tiring you out.

We made our way up towards the small half mile loop.

The post is located where the loop starts.

We finished up the loop and headed back the way we came. If you have two cars, a shuttle between Blue Sky and Coyote Ridge might be a fun idea so you can continue on without turning back.

We're almost back now.

Jesse decided to run the majority of the trail back to become more in sync with the dynamics of the trail. He waited for me underneath the tree here while I walked on back most of the way.